Self-centering rolls

ABSTRACT

A self-centering roll for tracking webs includes a shaft, an end web secured to the shaft adjacent each end, and a tubular rim section secured to each end web and arranged with a space between their adjacent ends sufficient to permit deflection of these adjacent ends toward the shaft. Each of the end webs includes a compressible member, such as rubber, for transmitting a load from the rim portion to the shaft. It is preferred to use a central web including a compressible member for transmitting load from the rim portions to the shaft and to have the space within the roll entirely enclosed.

United States Patent [191 Fatula May 14,1974

[73] Assignee: Ryman Engineering Company,

Ellwood City, Pa,

[22] Filed: Apr. 12, 1973 [2l] Appl. No.: 350,618

[52] us. Cl. 226/192, 29/125 [51] Int. Cl B65h 17/20 [58] Field of Search 226/190, 192, I94, 191; 198/202; 29/125 [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,593,l58 4/l952 Lorig 226/192 3 t 2 l3 i 6 a &

SELF-CENTERING ROLLS Inventor: James J. Fatula, Perry Township, Lawrence County, Pa.

3,001,682 9/196] Carroll 226/!92 Primary ExaminerRichard A. Schacher Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Martin J. Carroll [57] ABSTRACT A self-centering roll for tracking webs includes a shaft, an end web secured to the shaft adjacent each end, and a tubular rim section secured to eachend web and arranged with a space between their adjacent ends sufficient to permit deflection of these adjacent ends 'toward the shaft. Each of the end webs includes a 10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures [III/l I SELF-CENTERING ROLLS This invention relates to self-centering rolls and more particularly to self-centering rolls of the general type shown in Lorig US. Pat. No. 2,593,158 dated 4-l5-52. This patent discloses several species of rolls, some of which have not been made or used while others have been used and are being used extensively to center belts and other types of web material such as steel strip. The patented rolls perform their centering function very well, but have some disadvantages. To the best of my knowledge the rolls have not been stocked in any large numbers since they are relatively expensive as compared to conventional rolls and of course are not used as extensively as conventional rolls. Also, there are many different diameters, many different widths and many different loadings for the rolls. As a result it is common practice to make the rolls to order which increases their cost. All of the patented self-centering rolls used have co-operating sliding surfaces, thus requiring lubrication. Also, because of these surfaces the life of the roll is relatively short and maintenance cost is high when the roll is used in a contaminated atmosphere. In some installations, suchas food handling conveyors, there is a sanitary problem. Since the food or liquid from the food can penetrate into the interior of the roll it requires frequent sterilization to meet sanitary requirements. As a result the rolls have not been used as extensively for this purpose as they otherwise would since the processor would sooner labor with his centering problem than with his sanitary problem. It is desirable to have rolls which may be used as drivers as well as idlers and some of the patented rolls are not suitable for drivers.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide self-centering rolls constructed of parts which may be used for many different sizes of rolls.

Another object is to provide such rolls which do not have co-operating sliding surfaces and hence do not require lubrication.

A further object is to provide such rolls in which their inner space is sealed from penetration from the outside.

These and other objects will be more apparent after referring to the following specification and attached drawing in which FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view ofa preferred roll of my invention;

. rim portion 8 and member 14 is spaced from shaft 4 so that the load is carried by the compressible member 16 rather than by a metallic member as in the patented rolls. The central web consists of a sleeve 18 secured to shaft 4 preferably by means of a set screw 20, two

7 spaced apart tubes 22 and a compressible member 24 FIG. 2 is a sectional view ofa portion ofa roll showing a modified end web;

FIG. 3 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, showing another embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, showing still another embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 5 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, showing a further embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view ofa portion of a roll showing a modified center web; and

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view ofa different type of centering roll utilizing my invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, reference numeral 2 indicates a self-centering roll of my invention. The roll 2 consists ofa shaft 4, two end webs 6, two rim portions 8, and a central web 10. Each web 6 consists of a hub 12 fastened to shaft 4, preferably by means ofa set screw 13, an outer member 14 in,

the form of an angle welded to or otherwise fastened to the adjacent rim portion 8, and a compressible radial made of material similar to member 16 and bonded to members 18 and 22. The inner ends of rim portions 8 are spaced apart a distance 26 equal to the distance between tubes 22. All parts, except the compressible members, are preferably made of steel or stainless steel.

With this construction it is possible to stock a number of end webs 6 of various sizes, a number of central webs 10 of similar sizes, standard lengths of tubes of various sizes to form the rims 8 and standard lengths of bars of various sizes to form the shaft 4. When an order is received it is only necessary to select the proper end and central webs, cut the required lengths of rim portions 8 from a tube of the desired diameter and cut the required length of shaft from -a bar of the desired diameter. The web is then secured to the shaft 4 by means of set screw 20 or by welding if desired. Each rim portion 8 is them secured to a web 6 by an interference fit or by welding. Each hub 12 is then slipped over shaft 4 with the rim 8 engaging the corresponding tube 22 with an interference fit. Only simple tools are required and a comparitively small number of parts can be assembled in various combinations to give a large variety of rolls.

The operation of this roll is essentially the same as that of the patented Lorig rolls except that the deflection of the rim portion takes place by virtue of movement of the compressible members. For example, a belt B passing around the top portion of the roll 2 in FIG. 1, will create a load causing the portion of member 16 above shaft 4 to stretch and the portion below shaft 4 to compress. At the same time the portion of member 24 above shaft 4 is compressed and the portion below shaft 4 is stretched.

It will bev seen that the interior of the roll is completely enclosed and that there is no sliding surfaces to wear or require lubrication. Thus, except for possible corrosion, no damage results when the roll is used in a contaminated atmosphere.

FIG. 2 shows a modified end web 28 consisting of an outer member 30, similar to member 14, a hub 32 having a tapered bore 34, a compressible radial member 36 positioned between and secured to members 30 and 32 as by means of bolts 38 spaced about the periphery, and a tapered bushing 40 received between shaft 4 and hub 32. The tapered bushing may be a TAPER-LOCK bushing manufactured by Dodge Division of Reliance Electric Co. and shown in US. Pat. No. 2,856,21 l The member 36 may be bonded to members 30 and 32 as in the first embodiment and the bolts 38 omitted. The operation and assembly of this embodiment is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment except that the bushing 40 is driven into place and attached to hub 32 by set screw 41. The drive or interference fit of bushings 40 on shaft 4 hold the end webs in position.

While this embodiment requires an extra member it has the advantage that it permits shaft diameter changes by using a different size bushing 40 without changing any other parts, thus further expanding the readily available combinations. v

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, end web 42 consists of a tapered bushing 44 received in tapered bore 46 of hub 48, a compressible annular member 50 bonded to hub 48 and to tube 52 which is welded to rim portion 8. The operation and assembly of this embodiment is essentially the same as that of FIG. 2.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the end web consists solely of a compressible annular member 54 which is bonded to shaft 4 and rim portion 8 by means of any suitable adhesive or the like.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, end web 56 includes co-operating hub members 58 and 60 held together by means of capscrews 62 and having an opening 64 therein for receiving one end of a compressible member 66. Members 58 and 60 are secured to shaft 4 in any suitable member such as by'welding member 58 to the shaft. The outer end of member 66 is secured in an opening 67 provided in members 68 and 70 held together by capscrews 72 and secured to rim portion 8 by welding member 68 thereto.

FIG. 6 shows a modification in which the center web is made in two separate parts 74 each consisting of a sleeve 76 welded to shaft 4, a sleeve 78 havinga press fit with rim portion 8, and a compressible member 80 extending between and bonded to sleeves 76 and 78.

It will be understood that either of the center webs may be used with any of the end webs and that the members shown extend completely around the periphery of the roll.

While my invention is particularly useful in the type of centering roll shown in the above identified Lorig patent it may also be used with the general type of centering roll shown in Lorig U.S. Pat. No. 2,817,940

dated Dec. 31, I957. Such a roll embodying my invention is shown in FIG. 7. As there shown the roll consists of a shaft 82, two end rim sections 84, intermediate rim section 86, two end webs 88 and two central webs 90, one between each end rim section and the intermediate rim section. The end webs are shown constructed as in FIG. 3 and the central webs are shown constructed as in FIG. 1, but it will be understood that any combination of end and central webs may be used. The opera tion of the roll is the same as that of Lorig US. Pat. No. 2,8l7,940 except for the deflection being due to the compressible members. This roll has the same advantages as the rolls of the other embodiments.

If desired for sanitary reasons, the gaps between the adjacent ends of the rim portions may be filled with rubber since this will compress sufficiently to permit the normal centering action of the rolls. While several embodiments of my invention have been shown and described it will be apparent that other adaptions and modifications may be made within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

l. A self-centering roll comprising a shaft, an end web secured to said shaft adjacent each end thereof, and a tubular rim section secured to each end web with a space between the adjacent ends of the rim sections, each of said end webs including a compressible mem her for carrying load between the associated rim portion and said shaft. V 2. A self-centering roll according to claim 1 including a central web for supporting the adjacent ends of said rim portions, said central web including a compressible member for carrying load between the rim portions and shaft.

3. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 in which each of said end webs includes a hub member secured to said shaft and having a surface transverse to the axis of said shaft, said hub member being spaced from the associated rim portion, and an outer member secured to the associated rim portion and having a surface transverse to the axis of said shaft, said outer member being spaced from said shaft, said transverse surfaces being axially spaced apart to provide an opening therebetween, said first named compressible member being received in said space and being secured to said hub and outer member.

4. A self-centering roll according to claim 3 in which said first named compressible member is bonded to said transverse surfaces.

5. A self-centering roll according to claim 3 in which said first named compressible member is attached to said hub and outer member by means of bolts.

6. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 in which each of said end webs includes a hub member secured to said shaft and having a peripheral surface spaced from the associated rim section, and an outer member secured to the associated rim section and having an inner peripheral surface spaced outwardly from said hub to provide a space therebetween, said first named compressible member being received in said space and being secured to said hub and outer member.

7. A self-centering roll according to claim 6 in which said first named compressible member is bonded to said peripheral surfaces.

8. A self-centering roll according to claim 6 in which said first named compressible member is attached to said hub and outer member by means of threaded members.

9. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 including means for detachably securing said webs to said shaft.

10. A self-centering roll according to claim 1 including a central tubular rim portion between said first named rim portions with a space between said central rim portion and each of said first named rim portions, and a central web between said central rim portion and each of said first named rim portions, each of said central webs having a compressible member for carrying load between the rim portions and shaft. 

1. A self-centering roll comprising a shaft, an end web secured to said shaft adjacent each end thereof, and a tubular rim section secured to each end web with a space between the adjacent ends of the rim sections, each of said end webs including a compressible member for carrying load between the associated rim portion and said shaft.
 2. A self-centering roll according to claim 1 including a central web for supporting the adjacent ends of said rim portions, said central web including a compressible member for carrying load between the rim portions and shaft.
 3. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 in which each of said end webs includes a hub member secured to said shaft and having a surface transverse to the axis of said shaft, said hub member being spaced from the associated rim portion, and an outer member secured to the associated rim portion and having a surface transverse to the axis of said shaft, said outer member being spaced from said shaft, said transverse surfaces being axially spaced apart to provide an opening therebetween, said first named compressible member being received in said space and being secured to said hub and outer member.
 4. A self-centering roll according to claim 3 in which said first named compressible member is bonded to said transverse surfaces.
 5. A self-centering roll according to claim 3 in which said first named compressible member is attached to said hub and outer member by means of bolts.
 6. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 in which each of said end webs includes a hub member secured to said shaft and having a peripheral surface spaced from the associated rim section, and an outer member secured to the associated rim section and having an inner peripheral surface spaced outwardly from said hub to provide a space therebetween, said first named compressible member being received in said space and being secured to said hub and outer member.
 7. A self-centering roll according to claim 6 in which said first named compressible member is bonded to said peripheral surfaces.
 8. A self-centering roll according to claim 6 in which said first named compressible member is attached to said hub and outer member by means of threaded members.
 9. A self-centering roll according to claim 2 including means for detachably securing said webs to said shaft.
 10. A self-centering roll according to claim 1 including a central tubular rim portion between said first named rim portions with a space between said central rim portion and each of said first named rim portions, and a central web between said central rim portion and each of said first named rim portions, each of said central webs having a compressible member for carrying load between the rim portions and shaft. 